Germantown NY Democrats Organization

Germantown Town Board Meeting

Board Members Present: Supervisor Dave Helsley, Board Members Austin Sullivan, Sarah Suarez (via Zoom). Absent: Board Members Kaare Christian and John Kukon

Staff Present: Town Attorney Corinne Smith, Town Clerk Joyce Vale

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence for two community members who passed away during what Supervisor Helsley described as “a rough month for the town.” The Board remembered Dale Hinkein and David Crawford, both valued members of the Germantown community.

Minutes & Reports: The Board approved the July 8, 2025 Local Law public hearings and Town Board meeting minutes and reviewed financial reports, with Supervisor Helsley noting plans to clarify items and likely make budget adjustments with accountant Brian Fitzgerald. The Board approved payment of audited bills for August 2025. Town Clerk Vale publicly thanked Town Historian Tom Shannon for his volunteer work helping to organize and rearrange shelves in the town records room, noting significant improvements to the facility’s organization and accessibility.

Old Business

Zoning and Subdivision Law Update: The comprehensive Zoning Law update awaits legal review, with Supervisor Helsley noting attorney Matthew Rogers has not yet issued a response to the latest draft. The Board delayed the next workshop until hearing back from legal counsel.

Background: This massive undertaking began in 2024 to align Germantown’s zoning with the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Previously the Board discussed several proposed changes, including franchise business restrictions and five new Historic Overlay Districts. The Planning and Zoning Boards will need to review and comment before public hearings can be scheduled.

Bard Parcel: The Bard parcel awaits a survey reading, after which the title policy can be processed and forwarded to Columbia County for completion.

Background: This relates to recently acquired 23-acre “Theodore Robinson Community Forest” which will extend the Palatine Park public trail system.

LWRP and Harbor Management Local Law: Town Attorney Smith reported that the Harbor Management Local Law has been drafted and can be adopted but won’t take effect until the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) is approved by the Department of State. The Shoreline Local Law will be incorporated directly into the Zoning Law revision to avoid duplication.

Background: These laws are part of Germantown’s comprehensive LWRP that has been in development for several years, with the town engaging EDR (Environmental Design and Research) in March 2025 for additional planning services.

Parsonage Roof Replacement: Supervisor Helsley reported receiving bids from 5-6 potential contractors for the historic parsonage roof replacement, describing it as “a good turnout” that should result in competitive pricing.

Background: The Board has been working to balance historic preservation requirements with the practical roofing needs of the 1767 parsonage. This effort is part of ongoing maintenance of Germantown’s historic properties.

Salt Shed Solar Array: After receiving two bids, the Board unanimously approved awarding the salt shed solar electrical service contract to SKJ Electric for $66,817.27, to be funded from the Green Revolving Grant account with the remainder from fund balance.

Background: A significant milestone after nearly two years of development challenges, this project is made possible thanks to Germantown’s Climate Smart Community designation and available NYSERDA grants. The system is expected to generate substantial long-term savings while advancing the town’s renewable energy goals. Installation should begin promptly, with completion expected within a few weeks.

Hilltop Communications Franchise Agreement: The franchise agreement with Hilltop Communications has been drafted and sent to their legal team, with no response received yet regarding the services contract.

New Business

Sewer Plant Operations: Supervisor Helsley reported that he was pleased with the new sewer plant operator H2O Innovations. In response to their assessment, which revealed multiple malfunctioning sensors and float switches, the Board authorized one day of work by three technicians from Avanti Controls to repair the most critical items, estimated at under $5,000.

Background: The town transitioned to H2O Innovations for sewer plant operations on July 1st after extensive contract negotiations. After years of deferred maintenance issues, there was great need for upgraded operations and maintenance.

Credit Card and Online Payment Authorization: The Board discussed implementing credit card and online payment acceptance for town services, with Town Attorney Smith explaining the need for a resolution rather than a local law. She recommended focusing initially on town clerk services like building permits and fees rather than more complex tax payments.

Background: This is part of the town’s ongoing effort to modernize transactions and provide residents more convenient ways to pay fees. The implementation will require selecting appropriate vendors and fee structures. Supervisor Helsley plans to meet with Town Clerk Joyce Vale to define which fees will be eligible and what the best card reader options are. A proposal is expected for the September meeting.

Employee Policy Updates: After receiving a late email from the Union requesting more time for review, the Board postponed action on employee policy updates including rights for employees who express breast milk in the workplace and discrimination and harassment policies. Town Attorney Smith noted that workplace violence training is handled separately through PESH (Public Employee Safety and Health), with Supervisor Helsley and Town Clerk Vale serving as training officers.

Background: These are required updates for compliance with New York State regulations. The discrimination and harassment policy is based on Columbia County’s template, while the workplace rights policy simply adopts New York State requirements with no local deviations.

Dale Hinkein Memorial Dedication: The Board unanimously approved dedicating the replacement flagpole at Lasher Memorial Park to the late Richard “Dale” Hinkein. Supervisor Helsley noted that without Hinkein’s assistance he “probably still wouldn’t have that flagpole upright.” The final wording of the dedication will be developed in consultation with Board members and Hinkein’s family.

Recreation Committee Update: Board Member Suarez reported on the Recreation Committee’s successful August 9th pickleball pop-up event, which drew over 30 participants and generated significant enthusiasm and sign-ups for future activities.

Background: This represents the first major initiative from the new Recreation Committee, established earlier this year with five volunteer members. The committee partnered with a local business to provide equipment and setup assistance. Plans include scheduling another event in September while exploring options for permanent facilities.

The next Town Board meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2025, at 7 PM.